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Ministerial Foreword
Diabetes care in Scotland has come a long way in the five years since we published the Scottish Diabetes Framework. The Framework has raised the profile of diabetes and ensured that local and national action is now delivering real improvements for people with diabetes. Some of the good work is described at the end of the report, and I am especially encouraged that it is happening across Scotland. I should like to thank the Scottish Diabetes Group for its role in overseeing implementation of the Framework. I also welcome the opportunities I have had for regular personal engagement and dialogue with people with diabetes and their carers, as well as with the organisations that speak on their behalf.
We have to manage the consequences of ever-increasing numbers of people with long-term conditions. We have to move to an approach that prevents people becoming unwell, treat them better and faster if they do, and wherever possible, treat them closer to their home. That was a key commitment I gave in Delivering for Health. Diabetes rates have continued to rise at frightening rates. That's why I am totally committed to health improvement. The Executive has made this a key part of its health policy, most recently with the Prevention 2010 initiative which aims to reduce the risk of long-term conditions in our most deprived communities. But as more people develop diabetes, we have to make sure that services not only keep pace with the increase, but also develop to offer the best outcomes.
Our work in diabetes has been an exemplar of these priorities. Much of what has been achieved provides a model for other services to follow. It is right, though, that a fresh diabetes Action Plan should be launched now to take that work forward in line with the principles of Delivering for Health. I welcome the fact that the Action Plan also builds on the work NHS Quality Improvement Scotland has done in reviewing its standards for diabetes care, and complements the diabetes criteria in the GMS contract.
The Action Plan points to issues where significant developments can be made. It supports opportunities to explore new ways of working and highlights a number of national initiatives to develop and implement new ideas. The action points vary in scale and scope, but all are intended to move the diabetes agenda forward in ways which will lead directly or indirectly to improved care for people with diabetes and their carers.
This Action Plan sets out a challenging agenda for the next three years. We will work with people with diabetes, the voluntary sector, healthcare professionals, NHS Boards and their planning partners as well as other stakeholders to ensure that the plan is implemented and that people's experience of diabetes care is improved.
ANDY KERR MSP
Minister for Health and Community Care
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